1.23.2012

Subway Observations

These days I ride the subway a lot. I recently started a job coaching
soccer in English and the school's location caused a big jump in my
commuting. So, three times a week, I spend close to 2 hours riding
subways, buses and walking. It's nice, kinda. I read more, reflect more,
but more than anything, I unintentionally observe my Korean compadres.

This brings us to today's post, Subway Observations.

***

In
the midst of a brutally compact subway car sat an old lady. Small in
stature, frail and sleepy. She looked like any other old woman on the
subway but for some reason, I stood peering in her direction.

She
sat with closed eyes and hands crossed. Again, nothing unusual but as
the announcement rang over the loud speaker, "Next stop, Dongjak
station," she casually opened her eyes and wiggled into a position to
get up. But, she quickly realized the solid wall of people right in
front of her and between the seat and the door.

"Uh, oh," I thought. "She'll never make it."

I
stood corrected. She very gently grabbed hold of a young Korean girl's
arms who stood directly in front of her. And in that moment, a very
beautiful transaction of affection occurred. The old lady lifted herself
up and with only a nod or two they successfully shuffled and switched
positions. The old lady then scooted her way through the thick kelp-like
crowd to the door. She made it, like so many times before in life.

In
these moments a very distinct stirring of appreciation happens inside
of me. I really appreciate the innate kindness Koreans show toward one
another. Sure, this is not 100% the case, but it's definitely not rare.
It's common to see, and I truly love seeing it.

It keeps a person kind, even in the midst of terrible subway rides. Beautiful.